Letter: Stand your political ground

A recent letter writer presented a balanced overview of conservatism and liberalism and counseled an even temperament when resolving issues. The letter was skillfully crafted and warranted thorough examination.

Most of the people responsible for America's ascendency were not in the middle of the ideology spectrum. At one extreme or the other, they had strong convictions and a narrow set of core values they were loath to compromise. Nevertheless, steadfastly engaged and determined, they raised a thriving nation.

The people that alternatively "view issues through a wide angle lens with neither a red or blue filter" (scripted and personalized by the writer), while engaged, could lack determination. There is a principled right and wrong in every issue and determined people will unfailingly try to uncover the truth. They will not search for truth and invite compromise at the same time. Our current federal government manages this choice very well, perhaps too well.

Leaders and citizens should be principled truth seekers first but accept compromise when truth remains uncertain and the greater good is at stake. Everyone's personal principles should fit well enough, if not precisely, inside one of the vastly divergent platforms of the political parties.

By not identifying their values, independent voters blind us to the greater good. All committed party members are on solid ground, but unprincipled, uncommitted or unidentifiable is sinking sand.